Coventry Reverse For 18s

17 March 2014

Ashley Lambell

Nottingham Forest's Under 18s suffered a disappointing 3-1 home defeat against their Coventry City counterparts at The Nigel Doughty Academy.

Jimmy Gilligan was taken charge of his first game as Lead Professional Development Coach but saw his side slip behind six minutes before half-time. With The Reds still organising themselves to defend a Coventry free-kick, the referee allowed James Maddison to take it quick and he made no mistake by finding the top corner from 20 yards.

Forest needed a response after the interval but found themselves further adrift soon after the break. Ivor Lawton, who had put in an impressive display for Coventry's Under 21s against Forest just over a week ago, dispatching a penalty after Maddison was fouled inside the area.

George Thomas then sealed the game for the visitors with just over 20 minutes to play. Reds goalkeeper Aaron Myles produced a smart save to block Maddison's low effort but Thomas was on hand to slot home at the second attempt and put the game beyond Forest's reach.

There was to be a late reply from The Reds as they battled well despite the scoreline. Some excellent build-up play from Forest allowed Oliver Burke to fire home ten minutes from time but it proved to be merely a consolation as the home side slipped to defeat.